Combination chemotherapy using TS-1, Paclitaxel and cisplatin for multiple lung metastases from AFP-producing gastric cancer: a case report

A 61-year-old male had undergone distal gastrectomy followed by right hepatectomy for alpha-fetoprotein-producing gastric cancer and liver metastasis. Subsequently, multiple lung metastases were detected by follow-up chest examinations. Despite treatment with TS-1/Irinotecan (CPT-11)/Cisplatin (CDDP) combination therapy, the metastases increased gradually in size and number. Combination therapy with TS-1/Paclitaxel (TXL)/CDDP was effective, as confirmed by marked reduction in tumor size on chest computed tomography. TS-1/TXL/CDDP chemotherapy was administered repeatedly for relapse of lung metastases. The relapse was controlled twice with this chemotherapy regimen, and the patient remains alive at 52 months after gastrectomy without pulmonary symptoms such as hemosputum. Although patients with postoperative lung metastases from AFP-producing gastric cancer have a dismal prognosis, our clinical experience suggests that TS-1/TXL/CDDP combination therapy may be a useful regimen for such conditions.